Sanctions

Definition ∞ Sanctions are punitive measures imposed by one or more countries against another country, organization, or individual. These restrictions typically involve limitations on trade, financial transactions, travel, or access to specific technologies, aimed at altering behavior or preventing illicit activities. In the digital asset context, sanctions prohibit transactions with designated entities or jurisdictions, requiring digital asset service providers to block addresses associated with sanctioned parties. Compliance with sanctions is a critical obligation for exchanges and custodians operating globally.
Context ∞ Sanctions compliance is a highly prominent and sensitive topic in cryptocurrency news, especially with the increasing use of digital assets for cross-border transactions. Governments are actively working to extend traditional financial sanctions regimes to the digital asset space, leading to debates about privacy, decentralization, and the technical feasibility of enforcement. The ongoing challenge involves identifying and restricting sanctioned entities on pseudonymous blockchain networks.